Drake Primary School
Thetford, IP24 1JW · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
259th of 281 primary schools in Norfolk we can score, 343 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,250 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3/10 among them, against 0.9/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.29 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Drake Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in March 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 0.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join girls football and gymnastics clubs, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 413 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in the areas identified in the recent inspection?
What Ofsted said about Drake Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where safeguarding standards are met and the early years provision is of a "strong standard," with children building "strong relationships with staff." However, achievement and curriculum quality in key stages 1 and 2 "need attention," as "weaknesses in previous curriculums and inconsistencies in the quality of teaching" have hindered pupil progress, particularly in writing and mathematics.
Strengths
- The early years curriculum is "meticulously designed," helping children develop language and reading skills effectively.
- Pupils benefit from a "highly effective personal development programme" that prepares them well for life in modern Britain.
- Staff provide "thoughtful support" for pupils with special educational needs, including a "notable strength" in the specially resourced provision for autism.
- Pupils behave well, showing "independence, cooperation and respect," and bullying is described as rare.
- Leaders have a clear understanding of weaknesses and are taking "appropriate action" to address them.
Areas to improve
- Staff in key stages 1 and 2 must develop sufficient subject knowledge to teach all subjects effectively.
- Staff need to use assessment more effectively to identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
- Governors should continue to evaluate the impact of improvements in writing and mathematics to raise attainment in national assessments.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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